Birds
Sparkling Violetear
Colibri coruscans
Flaring bright violet patches on the sides of its head, a sparkling violetear chases a rival from a favoured flowering shrub, one of the most common yet most combative hummingbirds found anywhere across the Andes.
Overview
The sparkling violetear, Colibri coruscans, is a Least Concern hummingbird found across mountain and forest habitat throughout the Andes from Venezuela to Argentina. Its iridescent violet ear patches, loud repeated call, and notably aggressive defence of feeding territories make it one of the more conspicuous and territorial hummingbirds found anywhere in South America.
Small bird, big attitude
Despite its modest size, the sparkling violetear holds its ground fiercely around good nectar sources, flaring its violet ear patches and chasing off rivals, including hummingbird species considerably larger than itself.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and common across suitable mountain and forest habitat throughout its extensive Andean range.
Sparkling Violetear: common questions
Why is it called the sparkling violetear?
It shows bright violet, feathered patches on the sides of the head that can be flared outward during display or territorial disputes, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Why is the sparkling violetear considered aggressive?
It is known for defending flowering plants and feeders vigorously, frequently chasing off other hummingbirds, including species considerably larger than itself.
How widespread is the sparkling violetear?
It is one of the most common hummingbirds across the Andes, ranging from Venezuela and Colombia south through Peru, Bolivia, and into Argentina.
What does the sparkling violetear eat?
It is an omnivore, feeding mainly on flower nectar supplemented with small insects caught in flight.